Massage Table Size Guide
Massage tables comes in many different shapes and size. It can be confusing for you, the customer, to choose the right one but we are here to help!
A lot of customers call us up after they have bought the wrong size massage table elsewhere and we would like to help you avoid this mistake. It normally goes something like this; they like the look of a picture of a massage table on a website, they like the low price and thenthey check the carrying weight is ok. If the carrying weight fits their needsthey click add to cart and the new massage table turns up at their doorstep in a few days. They unfortunately assume all massage tables are pretty much the same width and size.
The standard size of a massage table is 28 inches wide (71cms) and 73 inches (185cms) long. One of the reasons many "lightweight" budget massage tables are so cheap is because
- They are smaller in size (normally around 61cms wide) and as such have less materials
- They are sold byspecialistretailers who also sell anything else they can import and turn aprofit on. As such they just buy the cheapest massage tables they can find in China. They go for smaller sizes as they are cheaper.
Make sure the massage table is the right size for you and your clients as the narrow massage tables at 61cms can be veryuncomfortableforanyonewho isn't petite and many clients cannot relax withtheirshoulders and arms unsupported.
The Width of the Massage Table:
Almost all therapists choose the standard 28 inch wide massage table. All our massage tables are the same length so it is only the width and shape our customers need to decide on.
Your massage table should be wide enough to cater for the wide variety of shapes and sizes of your clients. It needs to be wide enough to comfortably accommodate your treatment style, while being narrow enough to ensure you don’t have to strain your own back during treatments. Each therapist's postural training and ability is different, so only you will know what massage table width you can handle. We have spoken to therapists who are five feet tall and get the wider 30 inch massage tables, and we speak to six foot therapists who have back problems and go for a 25 inch wide massage table. Everyone is different. Generally speaking, if you are of smaller stature, you may do better with one of the narrower 25-inch massage tables. If you're quite tall, or are particularly keen to offer your clients a very spacious experience, a 30-inch massage table might be more suitable. If you are in doubt, see if you can go into your local training college and see whether the massage tables there suit you. However, there is another way to get a feel for what will work of you don’t have access to a couch when you are deciding: Cut out a piece of cardboard to the dimensions of both sizes you are deciding between. Put it on top of the kitchen table and lean over it. Visualise a client lying there, and see which width will suit you and your client best.
The most popular massage table widths are 28 and 30 inches. We sell 25-inch massage tables but you should really only choose this width if you are shorter in height and having a wider massage table might put your own back at risk over the course of your career. You can also choose the 25-inch if you want to have the lightest massage table possible. By reducing the width of the massage table, the weight is also reduced. Now, this can mean a trade-off of some client comfort, but this trade is often worthwhile if you are a fully mobile therapist and use public transport frequently, where saving a kilogram or two will make a difference to you over time.
Make sure you can get close enough to the table that you can pivot at the waist and have your shoulders squared to the clients hips, with your hands parallel to the clients' spine. Working in this position will ensure an injury-free career, so it's an important factor in your decision.
The Height Of the Massage Table
Nowadays, almost all portable massage tables come with height adjustable legs. Whichever massage table you choose should come with a largeheight range to accommodate you, and to cater for a broad range of therapies. A common height range of massage tables is between 60 to 80cm, and this height range should cater for everyone. To check which height you need your massage table to be at follow this rule of thumb: 1. Stand up straight with your hands by your sides. Clench your fists. The height of a massage table is usually only adjusted when different therapists are using the same massage table, or if you have a client that is outside the average size you normally treat. So for example, if someone with a lot of body depth comes for a treatment after an average size person, you may need to adjust the height a notch or two. You should be able to adjust the height of a massage table in just 2-3 minutes. Even though you mightn't adjust the height very often, the faster the better when you do have to! There are 2 types of height adjustment mechanisms found on modern massage tables. 1) Twisting knobs (found only on wooden massage tables): If you are working with a wooden massage table, it is better to have two knobs on each of the four legs for greater strength and reliability. When buying online, make sure to check how many knobs are on the legs. Cheap massage tables often only have one knob, and when you raise the legs to the highest heights they are less stable and have been known to snap. 2) Telescopic push-buttons (found only on aluminium massage tables): The mechanism to adjust the height of an aluminium massage table is much the same as the push-button method on aluminium crutches. It only takes a few seconds to adjust each leg, and the mechanism is very reliable. Check out the video to see how it’s done.
2. Measure the distance between the floor and your knuckles
3. This distance should equal the height of your massage table.
4. Add a few inches in height to allow for the body of the patient on the massage table.
Massage Table Shape:
The following are the different shapes of massage tables on the market.
1. Rectangle shaped with square corners
This is the traditional shape of a massage table and the one you are probably familiar with seeing. Our Combi-lite 3 in 1 and Affinity Portaflex are shaped like this.
2. Rectangle shaped with rounded corners
Same as no 1 above in every way except the corners are rounded. Does not affect function in any way, just a different design/look.
3. Hour glass shaped with gradual gradient
A fabulous massage table innovation in recent years, which solves a lot of the problems around choosing the correct width is the hourglass shaped massage table.
This style of massage table is wider at the ends, and tapers somewhat at the middle. This provide a spacious and comfortable experience for your client (as the shoulder and feet area are 30 inches wide) without compromising your own posture and health, as the middle of the couch where you lean over is a much narrower 26 inches wide.Having recently upgraded to one of these hourglass massage tables myself, I can vouch that my working days are much more comfortable, and many of my clients have commented on the extra comfort from the wider shoulder area.
4. Hour glass shaped with sharpgradient
Same as point above but instead of the it gradually going from wide to narrow, the massage table changes quickly from normal width to narrow width so people of very short stature can get in close.
5. Oval Shaped
The name says it all! There are no corners on the massage table. Therapists normally choose this for one of two reasons. They simply like the look of this massage table and it is aesthetically more pleasing in their treatment room and/or they find it easier to move around the massage table during the treatment without having to side step the corners. This is particularly handy when space is limited in your treatment room.
Have any questions or comments about anything above? Please let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
What are the four attributes of successful massage therapists? ›
- Strong Communication Skills Used to Build Trust with Clients. ...
- Industry Skills and Experience Gained through Massage Therapy Training. ...
- The Ability to Create Comforting and Relaxing Environments for Clients.
Inform your therapist at the beginning “I feel like I just want a quiet session today, can I check in with you after the session about what you found?” Alternatively you could say that you have something to think through and need some quiet time today, then the next time say, “I loved the quiet of the last session.
What should you not do during a massage? ›- Ask your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ...
- Excessive noises. ...
- Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ...
- Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready. ...
- Start undressing while we are still in the room. ...
- Touch us.
Board certification is the highest voluntary credential available to massage therapists.
How many massages can you do in a day? ›Most massage therapists try to cap themselves to delivering 5 massage treatments a day. This enables therapists to deliver amazing treatments without compromising on their self-care.
How many patients does a massage therapist see in a day? ›Massage therapy sessions
How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.
Can I ask out my massage therapist? ›If I'm attracted to my therapist, can I ask him/her out? Yes, but only if you are willing to potentially lose the therapist. Due to ethical rules around “dual relationships,” the therapist will have to choose to be a romantic interest or keep it professional. It's discouraged to do both.
What is proper etiquette when getting a massage? ›- Don't Wear Granny Panties. Or, Just Don't Wear Underwear. ...
- Tip Is Rarely Included. ...
- Choose the Right Massage Therapist. ...
- Don't Chow Down Before You Get on the Table. ...
- Use Your Words. ...
- Do These Three Things Before You Arrive.
A therapist is still able to perform a high quality massage even if their client is asleep. It's not rude, nor does it insult them in anyway. In fact, sleeping through a massage is a compliment to the therapist. Falling asleep tells them you are relaxed and comfortable and enjoying the time on their table.
What should a massage therapist not do? ›
- Not Being Professional. ...
- Interrupting Your Treatment. ...
- Noise. ...
- Cold Treatment Room. ...
- Uncomfortable Table. ...
- Equipment/Office in Poor Condition. ...
- Too Much Talking. ...
- False Claims of Experience.
Since tips are standard protocol for massage therapists, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive).
What other careers can massage therapists do? ›Massage therapists can go into private practice, setting their own hours and serving a select clientele. Another option is working in a massage center, day spa or a hotel, providing stress relief to guests. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers hire massage therapists to aid in physical therapy and pain management.
How much does a licensed massage therapist make in California? ›The average salary for a massage therapist in California is $27,500 per year.
How old do you have to be to get a massage? ›The fact that most Spas don't perform massage on people less than 18years of age does not exclude massage for them. However, parents should handle their kid's massage at home.
What is the lifespan of a massage therapist? ›7 Years… the average career lifespan in the Massage Therapy Profession.
How do massage therapists not get tired? ›Eat well, Exercise, Yoga, Minimizing Stress, and of course get a Massage. These are some to name a few of the things we do. There are a handful of direct things we do to combat the fatigue of the job and here are some of them in more detail. Body Mechanics.
How stressful is being a massage therapist? ›The first five years of practice are the most difficult because you're not used to the physical demands, and many massage therapists quit due to burnout. Acclimating to the emotional demands are difficult as well. Clients come to you with frustrations and complaints, often times breaking down and crying in the room.
How many hours should a massage therapist work? ›The average amount of hands-on work for most massage therapists is 15 hours per week (excluding administrative tasks, such as keeping client health records, bookkeeping, marketing, scheduling, maintaining supplies, etc.).
Is there such a thing as too much massage? ›So, is too much massage harmful? The answer is yes, it can be. The best way to answer this is to listen to your body and talk openly with your massage therapist. Don't prioritize pain: it often won't heal you in the way that you believe it will.
How many massages can you get in a week? ›
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.
How much should I tip for a $50 massage? ›How much should you tip for a $50 massage? The standard tipping rate for a massage is 20%. So, for a $50 massage, you can tip $10. You can increase or lower your tip depending on how satisfied you are with their services.
How much should you tip for a $80 massage? ›If your massage costs $80.00, find 10% by moving the decimal one digit to the left. Ten percent of $80 is $8. Then, double that $8 to arrive at your 20% tip of $16. (You can also use our tip calculator to determine how much to leave.)
Why are massages so expensive? ›The therapist is serving only you, and expects to make enough money to make a living doing massages. So the biggest cost of the service is the human time that the therapist invests into you, which is the reason spa services will seem expensive if you compare to discretionary spendings such as restaurants and cinema.
Can a masseuse date a client? ›Professional massage experts agree that all therapists should refrain, under all circumstances, from initiating or engaging in any sexual conduct, sexual activities, or sexualizing behavior involving a client, even if the client attempts to sexualize the relationship.
Can a therapist marry a former client? ›It is also important to recognize that counselors can decide to make the personal choice to never engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients even though the ACA Code of Ethics allows one to do so after a five-year waiting period.
How long does a massage therapist have to wait to date a client? ›The rules of many manual therapy associations say that it may be okay to date a client if you wait several months after ending the professional rela- tionship, usually 6 months to 1 year. Other professional associations don't approve of such dating no matter how much time has gone by.
How much do you tip for a 30 minute massage? ›Luckily for Soothe, their clients have increased the average tipping percentage in 2021 from 18 to 20 percent. So if a 60-minute massage costs $80, the tip would be $12 to $16. For a 90-minute massage at $150, the tip would be $22 to $30. For a 30-minute massage at $50, the tip would be $7.50 to $10.
Are you supposed to take off your bra for massage? ›You'll want to strip down to just your undies. Take off your bra—it'll get in the way of the back massage and who can relax with underwire poking you anyway? Also, if it's just an upper body massage, you can leave your socks on, otherwise, slip them off so the therapist can work on your soles.
How do massage therapists know where knots are? ›Massage therapists are trained to feel where knots occur by looking for tension in the back, neck and shoulders. They find this tension and release it by applying deep compression with their thumb, fingers or elbow, and holding for 20-30 seconds.
How often should you get a massage? ›
A general recommendation is every 1-3 weeks, especially "if they have specific strain or tension or any area," says Amey.
Should you put lotion on before a massage? ›There is no need to moisturize before your massage appointment—in fact, your massage therapist may not appreciate the additional moisture or fragrance. So don't feel the need to go balls-to-the-wall with your hygiene routine prior to an appointment—it's in everyone's best interest!
Should you shower before or after a massage? ›Whether you receive an oil massage, aromatherapy, or reflexology, the answer is to not shower before a massage or after. Leave a few hour buffer period before doing so. When in the shower or a bath, the surface of the skin has increased blood circulation, which after a massage can lead to surface congestion.
Who should not get a deep tissue massage? ›You should also hold off on deep tissue massages if you're pregnant. Gentler types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option. If you have an open wound or skin infection of any kind, you'll need to reschedule to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.
Should you shave legs before a massage? ›It's not necessary to shave prior to getting a massage. Most times the massage therapist will not realize it or mind it at all if they did notice. A spa will not demand you to remove your body hair before your appointment. In reality, whether you decide to shave or keep your body hair is entirely up to you.
Why am I dizzy after a massage? ›Postural Hypotension
Postural hypotension is a type of low blood pressure that makes you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint. Postural hypotension is the most common reason for feeling dizzy after a massage and is nothing to be concerned about, unless you are also experiencing one of the potential causes listed below.
In the event a spa or clinic provides envelopes for tipping, place the money in the envelope and write the therapist's full name on the envelope to avoid confusion. When there are no envelopes provided, you can either give the therapist cash or add the tip when you are paying for the service.
Can you make your own schedule as a massage therapist? ›Many massage therapists enjoy having the ability to work part-time, make their own schedules, and earn extra money alongside another job.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist in Iowa? ›To receive state licensing, an individual must undertake the minimum 600 hours of training at an accredited school and be able to provide proof of graduation. A passing score on the MBLEx or NCETMB exam is required to receive massage therapist licensing.
Is massage a good career? ›Overall, massage therapists report a high level of job satisfaction for the work they do. In the 2021 U.S. News 100 Best Jobs survey, massage therapy was ranked among the best career paths. By pursuing a degree, you can enjoy a high level of job satisfaction, as well.
How much does a chiropractor make? ›
How Much Does a Chiropractor Make? Chiropractors made a median salary of $70,720 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $98,050 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $53,070.
How much does a massage cost? ›To give you a fast and simple answer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour for a massage.
Can a 13 year old have a massage? ›Age limits for specific treatments vary and treatment age restrictions are: Hair Cut & Blow Dry – Age 5+ Hair Colour – Age 13+ (13 – 18 years of age requires parent or guardian consent) Beauty treatments – Age 13+ (Intimate waxing, massage or eyelash services are not permitted under 16 years old)
What's it like being a massage therapist? ›Massage therapy is a rewarding career that enables you to relax and heal your clients. Clients may come to you because they need to unwind and relax, or they may be experiencing muscle tenderness and soreness. Becoming a massage therapist allows you to help your clients live a happy and healthy lifestyle.
What makes an excellent massage therapist? ›A great massage therapist has excellent manual dexterity and is able to easily perform the complicated maneuvers required. You must have a good deal of physical stamina and be able to handle standing for long periods of time as well as the rigorous physical effort massage requires. A strong sense of empathy is vital.
How do I become a successful massage therapist? ›The habits that make a successful massage therapist include a clear style of communication, proper technique for client satisfaction, positive mental attitude, an action-oriented mindset, diligence, basic marketing skills, effective time management skills, the right equipment, an understanding of self-care principles, ...
What makes a good massage treatment? ›- The sense of touch. ...
- Going beyond the rules. ...
- First impressions. ...
- Going further. ...
- Speed of movement. ...
- The brain is in the body. ...
- Protective mechanisms can be negative. ...
- Beyond treatment.
Massage therapy requires strength, and many massage therapists indicate that the demand to stay in good physical shape is a perk of the job. You will need to take care of your body in order to perform your work, and that can easily turn into a benefit as you stay healthy and strong throughout your career.
What are the 8 qualities of massage? ›- 1) Superb Time Management. ...
- 2) An Empathetic Approach. ...
- 3) Dedication to Training and Professional Development. ...
- 4) Physical Stamina. ...
- 5) Soft Skills. ...
- 6) Financial Management Skills. ...
- 7) A focus on the Client as a Whole. ...
- 8) Active in Professional Organisations.
According to various surveys of the massage field and anecdotal comments, the average massage career lasts around six years. Most of us go into massage therapy with dreams of helping people, getting out of the rat race and earning a good living.
Can I make 100k as a massage therapist? ›
Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a massage therapist.
The chances of earning over $100k for a massage therapist are actually pretty good because the highest-paid massage therapist positions typically pay at least $102,000 per year. The average annual salary is $47,245 for massage therapist jobs.
U.S. massage therapist Chaz Armstrong won the gold medal in chair massage and a silver medal in overall best massage at the World Championship in Massage 2021 competition in Copenhagen, Denmark.
How do you massage a big person? ›Massage Tips for Overweight/Obese Clients - YouTube
How many hours a day does a massage therapist work? ›The average amount of hands-on work for most massage therapists is 15 hours per week (excluding administrative tasks, such as keeping client health records, bookkeeping, marketing, scheduling, maintaining supplies, etc.).
What's the difference between a masseuse and massage therapist? ›The term masseuse is a French word that refers to a female who practices massage. (Males in the industry were known as masseurs.) However, due to certain unsavory connotations (as well as the need for more gender neutral terminology), both male and female massage practitioners go by the term “massage therapist”.
What are some good massage techniques? ›- Kneading. ...
- Effleurage (Light/Deep Stroking) ...
- Rubbing. ...
- Tapotement or Tapping. ...
- Vibration Or Shaking.
This can mean standing for long hours, working with your hands all day, or being bent over a massage table for too long. As such, it's easy to burnout physically from overworking your body. Common injuries in the massage therapy profession include tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What's included in a full body massage? ›In a full-body massage, a therapist will massage the entire body during a therapeutic massage. Sessions typically last a minimum of 50 minutes which allows enough time to work over all the major areas of the body like the back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, hands, and neck.
What type of people are massage therapists? ›Massage therapists tend to be predominantly social individuals, meaning that they thrive in situations where they can interact with, persuade, or help people. They also tend to be realistic, which means that they often enjoy working outdoors or applying themselves to a hands-on project.